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ORIGIN

This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was reportedly owned by the same family from the 1970s until the seller’s purchase six months ago. A restoration was completed in the 1980s, and as acquired the car had been off the road for the past 20 years. After purchasing the vehicle, the seller has the car serviced to assure that it starts, runs, stops and drives. Power comes from a 2.8-liter inline-six paired to a factory 4-speed manual gearbox, and the odometer shows just under 63k miles. This W113 is now being offered with an OEM color-matched hard top, factory manuals, some service records, and a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

According to the seller, this 280SL had its front fenders replaced at some point, likely when the car was restored and painted in the 1980s. The original color is claimed to be red, and the matching OEM hard top is shown from several angles in the photo gallery below. Currently the grille star is held on by screws, and the fully-operational soft top has several tears as highlighted in the gallery.

The OEM 14″ wheels with painted hub caps are currently mounted with a set of Goodyear thin whitewall tires that will need to be replaced due to age. Each corner is also shown in the gallery, along with the trunk compartment and spare.

Inside, the black upholstery, carpeting, and trim are believed by the seller to be original. This car is fitted with a working period Blaupunkt radio and Frigiking air conditioning, the latter of which is inoperable. Per the seller, the brittle factory heater controls remain intact.

A correct steering wheel is equipped, and the mechanical odometer currently indicates just under 63k miles. Total mileage is unable to be verified with records.

Under the front-hinged hood is a 2.8-liter inline-six sending power to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. The third-gear synchro will grind if shifted quickly according to the seller. After the seller’s purchase, the car received a general inspection, new brake hoses, a brake system flush, a new battery, and the fuel tank was drained.

A $2,500 mechanical service in September 1996 at 60,115 miles included cylinder head work, rocker arms, various seals and gaskets, intake and exhaust valve guides, a new ignition wire set, and more as shown above. After this service, the vehicle was driven approximately 2k miles before being stored prior to the seller’s purchase.

Underneath, the seller reports that there is some rust-through in the floor just forward of both rear wheels. There is also rust and a small hole in the right-front inner fender. Additional undercarriage images are displayed in the gallery below.

Several factory manuals accompany the sale as shown above. The car will need some work to be a reliable driver, or could serve as the basis for a sympathetic restoration effort.